Sunday, May 15, 2016

That's a lot of RVs!

I see in the news that the North American RV industry is on track to produce a record 400,000 RVs this year. Wow...that's a lot of RV's!

I would guess that this high demand is a direct result of the baby boom generation retiring. That demographic group of people (now aged 52 to 70) making it's way through time creates great opportunity for economic impact to the sector that lies in it's path. But, the industry itself also says that younger families are also affecting sales, as is the RV rental industry.

But while that's good for the RV industry, and the economy in general, I'm not sure that it's good for RV'ers! Prices at campgrounds are sure to rise as demand increases. We've already seen that at parks in our area. Even at our own park, prices are up...and it's mostly due to demand. We have 80 seasonal sites here at the park, and they are full every year. Entering this season, we also have 30 names on the waiting list.

But, it is what it is...and it's likely going to grow for another 10 years or so before demand drops off.

When we were traveling through Utah, we couldn't believe the number of rental RVs that we saw. And it will be that way in Canada too this summer, where the RV Rental Association says that booking will be up 12% this year over last year, with 85% of renters being from Europe.

They say that the average cost to rent an RV is $205 a day, plus RV park fees and fuel. Pretty expensive holiday! Sure makes us glad that we're doing a motorhome exchange...couldn't afford to rent.

Our owl babies are developing their horns.

Boy, those owls sure grow up fast, don't they? We've only been here for just over two weeks, and what a change in that time period!

Speaking of two weeks...today is our first payday! Wow, that seems to have gone by quickly. And not that anybody is counting (!), but that means we're already about 1/10th through our time here this season.

And people are telling me that rv's are less. We do see many more on the road and the rising costs makes us glad bought our memberships so many years ago. We can still keep our camping costs well under 15 hundred dollars for a full twelve months full timing living and travelling.

This is a great argument to wait for our family to by an RV. My hubby wants to get a used one now but it looks like there will be lots on the market in the future! Also, just got a pair of Merrell Barefoot shoes at a 'tent sale' for $60, I was so thrilled!

We love our owls too and we will miss them when they take flight which won't be long now.

With the way they do the financing now, they make it really attractive for the young families to buy them. I know our park gets full of young families, it is cheaper sometimes doing it that way than actually going away for a holiday. And with the new minimalist outlook these days I think more people look at it as a cheaper way to live than buying a house. Mind you that doesn't do so well with our Canadian winters. ;-)

Thanks for the recommendation for the Merrell boots. My husband has such a hard time finding boots that fit him well so I told him about your rave review of them and he bought some and for the first time in years he's not having any foot pain! Thanks! Great shot of the owlets. They are looking so grown up from 2 weeks ago. Amazing how fast they grow. The park looks so nice and I'm sure visitors will have a wonderful time. Enjoy!

Ruth, with so many varieties of Merrell hiking shoe/boot, is it safe to pick one based on reviews and aesthetics (ordering online), or is there a style or series you recommend for women. I understand all feet are different! I've had a lifetime of foot challenges and know I need a good shoe/boot for taking some good walks as we begin full timing next month.

Its hard to say but I now have two different pairs of Merrells and they are both super comfy. One is a hiking book (just above the ankle) and the other is a hiking shoe (below the ankle). If you can I would suggest going to a store first and try on a pair or two just to make sure of the size and the comfort level then go home and look on the internet for the best price and then buy a pair. :-)

I am working at the gas station here in in Yellowstone National Park at Fishing Bridge for the season. The number of rental RVs I have seen so far is quite high. A lot of them have been rented by foreigners who were given no training on the systems in their rigs. Very scary.

I love my Merrells. Have one low top pair of hikers that I use as my everyday shoes, as well as my hiking boots. Wouldn't be without them.

It seems like there are a ton of rental RVs out west because there are so many fantastic parks to see out there and most of the RVs we saw were driven by foreigners. Never saw any accidents though! ;-)

I scored a pair of Merrell low tops at a thrift shop for $15 and they will be my everyday shoes here at the park once my other pair of shoes die. Definitely very comfortable shoes!

Yesterday was another relax day. Ruth went into town with a couple of the others to pick up some stuff at the market. This area produces a l...

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